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Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapy Profession:

Physical Therapy is a health care discipline that specializes in the care of individuals with impairments, functional limitations, and/or disabilities. The causes of the above may be due to an injury, disease, birth defect or loss of limb. Physical Therapy utilizes scientific and medical principles to prevent, correct, or ease problems associated with injuries and disabilities. There are two types of physical therapy practitioner: the Physical Therapist (PT) and the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). Physical Therapist Assistants are health care professionals who work under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. Physical Therapist Assistants perform physical therapy procedures such as heat and cold treatments, electrical stimulation, therapeutic exercise, and gait training; and other related task delegated by the Physical Therapist. The procedures and techniques are designed to improve a client's movement, musculoskeletal function, and to relieve pain or increase strength.

The PTA Program:

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at JSCC combines general education, lectures and laboratory classes in physical therapy and clinical education. Clinical education affiliates include hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing centers and home health agencies. Physical Therapist Assistant students cover subject areas including anatomy and physiology, physical science, kinesiology, disease process, physical therapy modalities, and therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation techniques. Students preparing to enter an educational program in physical therapy should have a strong math and science background, including courses in algebra, biology, chemistry and physics.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.

Graduates of Jackson State's Physical Therapist Assistant Program are eligible to apply for licensure in any state and, if approved by that state, sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination administered by the Federation of Physical Therapy.

Year

Graduation Rates

NPTE Pass Rates*

Employment Rates**

2014

58%

100%

93%

2013

100%

100%

96%

2012

90%

95%

100%

2011

87.5%

90%

100%

2010

90%

100%

100%

* number reported as passed as of Nov 2014

** percent of graduated students who passed NPTE and were employed in the profession within one year of graduation